Best Practices Management Plan for Amphibian Populations at

Woodlot W1475

Prepared by:Elke Wind

E. Wind ConsultingSuite A – 114 Fifth Street

Nanaimo, BCV9R 1N2

Prepared for:Ted Gullison and Glen Dunsworth

Lantzville, BC

May 2015

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Ted Gullison and Glen Dunsworth for providing maps and field assistance.

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgements....................................................................................................................................... 21.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................42.0 Methods..................................................................................................................................................93.0 Results and Discussion ............................................................................................................................9

3.1 Amphibian Species Observed .............................................................................................................93.2 Habitat Assessment ..........................................................................................................................12

4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations .....................................................................................................185.0 References Cited ...................................................................................................................................19Appendix 1. Photographs of wet areas assessed for amphibians in May 2015. ........................................21

Table of Figures and Tables

Figure 1. Location of Woodlot W1475 near Lantzville on Vancouver Island................................................6Figure 2. Layout of Woodlot W1475 as of March 2015................................................................................7Table 1. Amphibians that occur on Vancouver Island and their status both provincially and federally. ..... 8Figure 3. Adult American Bullfrog observed at a forest wetland (12-04 C) 600 m away from the closestknown breeding site. ..................................................................................................................................10Figure 4. Red-legged Frog tadpole captured at Lorenzen Road wetland. ..................................................11Figure 5. Pacific Treefrog eggs and Long-toed Salamander larva observed at forest wetlands in May 2015(i.e., wetlands Road G-C and 12-04 A respectively)....................................................................................11Figure 6. Juvenile Wandering Salamander observed in the woodlot. ........................................................11Table 2. Results of amphibian surveys in March and May 2015 at Woodlot W1475.................................13Table 3. Wetland habitat description and assessment...............................................................................14Figure 7. Location of wetlands and incidental amphibian observations within the woodlot. ...................16Figure 8. Recommended protection of two ‘clusters’ of small wetlands for amphibians, includingconnectivity to streams and mature, upland forest. ..................................................................................17

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Woodlot W1475 is a 200 ha privately managed woodlot situated on crown land southwest of Lantzvilleon Vancouver Island (Fig. 1). The current woodlot license holder is John Gregson. The north end of thewoodlot lies within the Moist Maritime Coastal Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic unit and the south within theVery Dry Maritime Coastal Western Hemlock unit. The woodlot has a northerly aspect and the elevationchanges from approximately 100 m by the north perimeter to 300 m at the south (Fig. 2). The forestvaries between patches of mature coniferous tree species (e.g., Douglas-fir – Pseudotsuga menziesii,Western Hemlock – Tsuga heterphylia, and Western Redcedar – Thuja plicata), to drier standscontaining some mature Arbutus trees (Arbutus menziesii), and moist, rich mixedwood stands containinga relatively large component of mature Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum). A few old-growth treesremain within the woodlot and a number of small wetlands and streams occur throughout. One largerwetland occurs within the northwest area of the woodlot along Lorenzen Lane, and an extensivewetland managed by Ducks Unlimited lies just outside of the woodlot’s north perimeter along SywashRidge Road. The woodlot also contains an extensive trail system utilized by the public for dog walking,hiking, and mountain biking. The woodlot has six relatively recent cutblocks (grey polygons), as well asplans for four new cutblocks in the near future (orange filled and non-filled polygons) and thedevelopment of more roads (light purple lines; Fig. 2).

Amphibians occur within the Coastal Douglas-fir and Western Hemlock ecosystems and within WoodlotW1475. They are an important component of any ecosystem as both predators and prey. Adultamphibians consume large numbers of invertebrates (slugs, spiders, bugs). Aquatic larvae are likesalmon in that they transfer nutrients that they have consumed and incorporated into their bodiesduring growth and development onto land when they metamorphose, which is then made available topredators such as birds, snakes, and mammals. Three native frog and toad species (Pacific Treefrog –Pseudacris regilla, Northern Red-legged Frog – Rana aurora, and Western Toad – Anaxyrus boreas), andthree salamander species (Northwestern Salamander – Ambystoma gracile, Long-toed Salamander –Ambystoma macrodactylum, Roughskin Newt – Taricha granulosa) on Vancouver Island breed in waterin spring, but spend the rest of their annual life cycle on land, largely within forests. These amphibianspecies can move extensively throughout the landscape between these aquatic breeding sites andupland forest habitats (i.e., hundreds of metres). Three terrestrial salamander species (Ensatina,Wandering Salamander, and Western Red-backed Salamander) spend all of their time on land withinforests moving very little, laying their eggs under logs, bark, and rocks. Of the 9 native amphibianspecies that occur on Vancouver Island, three are listed federally as Special Concern by the Committeeon the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and are Blue listed in BC—Northern Red-legged Frog, Western Toad, and Wandering Salamander (Table 1). For all three species, habitat loss islisted as a major threat to their long-term viability (COSEWIC 2002, 2012, 2014).

Due to their unique physiology and life history amphibians can be negatively affected by timberharvesting and road building. All amphibians breathe to some degree through their skin, and some (i.e.,terrestrial salamanders) do not have lungs and rely 100% on cutaneous gas exchange. This adaptation,along with being ectotherms (‘cold’ blooded), requires that amphibians inhabit relatively cool, moistenvironments. The loss of forest cover leads to more extreme climatic conditions in terms oftemperature and moisture which can affect amphibian species, especially terrestrial salamanders(COSEWIC 2014), and timber harvesting and road building can lead to the loss of small wetland habitats.

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The objective of this report is to provide a summary of amphibian species and habitats that occur withinthe woodlot and to recommend best management practices for all aspects of timber harvesting (e.g.,block layout, timber harvesting, road building, thinning, etc.) that will help to maintain populations overthe long term.

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Figure 1. Location of Woodlot W1475 near Lantzville on Vancouver Island.

Woodlot W1475

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Figure 2. Layout of Woodlot W1475 as of March 2015.

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Table 1. Amphibians that occur on Vancouver Island and their status both provincially and federally.

Common Name Species Old Name Code I.D.Status

Prov. BC COSEWICTerrestrial-Breeding SalamandersWestern Redback Salamander Plethodon vehiculum RBSA S4 Yellow Not at RiskEnsatina Ensatina eschscholtzii ENSA S4 Yellow Not at RiskWandering Salamander Aneides vagrans WASA S3S4 Blue Special

ConcernLentic-breeding AmphibiansNorthwestern Salamander Ambystoma gracile NWSA S4S5 Yellow Not at RiskLong-toed Salamander Ambystoma macrodactylum LTSA S4S5 Yellow Not at RiskRoughskin Newt Taricha granulosa RSNE S4S5 YellowPacific Treefrog Pseudacris regilla Hyla regilla PTFR S5 YellowWestern Toad Anaxyrus boreas Bufo boreas WETO S3S4 Blue Special

ConcernRed-legged Frog Rana aurora RLFR S3S4 Blue Special

ConcernAmerican Bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus Rana catesbeiana BUFR SNA exoticGreen Frog Lithobates clamitans Rana clamitans GRFR SNA exotic

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2.0 METHODS

Two separate site visits occurred to inventory and assess amphibian species occurrence and habitat, onMarch 28th and May 14/15, 2015. Amphibians were detected via visual surveys on both the first andsecond site visit following standard provincial survey procedures (RISC 1998). A number of wetlandswere visually surveyed for breeding adults and the occurrence of amphibian eggs, and later for larva.During the second field visit traps were also set at two wetlands. The available potential breedinghabitat was assessed based on species habitat requirements at known wet areas and streams includedon the woodlot map provided by J. Gregson. This was a basic / general inventory and habitatassessment, the results of which may have been affected by climatic conditions at the time of the survey(e.g., 2015 has been an exceptionally dry year). More thorough and repeat surveys (across seasons andyears) would be required to confirm species presence and habitat use throughout the woodlot.

3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1 Amphibian Species Observed

The amphibian species and life stages observed during surveys in March and May have beensummarized in Table 2, as well as some incidental sightings made in the past by local hikers (e.g.,Western Toad). In total, eight of the nine native amphibian species that occur on Vancouver Island havebeen observed / confirmed within the Woodlot, including all three species at risk. The last native speciesnot found in this survey, the terrestrial salamander Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii), has suitable habitatin the woodlot and is relatively widespread on Vancouver Island. There is a high probability that it alsooccurs in the woodlot.

One non-native amphibian species (American Bullfrog – Lithobates catesbeianus) was also observedwithin the Woodlot (Fig. 3). This species is highly aquatic and commonly occurs in larger wetlands suchas the DU site along Sywash Ridge Road. They are less likely to breed in small forest wetlands due to therelatively cool water temperatures and shorter hydroperiods that occur there. However, a juvenile andan adult were found in small forest wetlands on May 2015, 300 and 600 metres away from knownbreeding sites respectively (i.e., the DU and Lorenzen Road wetlands). Like other amphibian species,Bullfrogs may use these small wetlands as stepping-stones to move through the landscape.

Despite the number of wetlands that were surveyed and that occur within the woodlot, only oneconfirmed breeding site was found for the Red-legged Frog, a Blue-listed species (i.e., the larger wetlandalong Lorenzen Road; Fig. 4). This species is selective in its choice of breeding sites compared to othernative species due to its relatively long larval development stage (COSEWIC 2004). For example, Red-legged Frog breeding was only confirmed in 3.6% of 166 small wetlands (< 1 ha in size) surveyed onVancouver Island in 2002 (Wind 2003). Suitable sites have a semi-permanent or permanent hydrology.Breeding sites for Red-legged Frogs are relatively rare on Vancouver Island compared to otheramphibian species and they need protection to maintain local populations. The Lorenzen Road wetlandis problematic for Red-legged Frogs in many ways. Adults moving to and from the wetland arevulnerable to being struck by vehicles on Lorenzen Road along the north edge of the site. They areexposed to climatic extremes and predators in more open environments such as the hydro right of wayalong the south shoreline. Lastly, developing tadpoles, larva, and juveniles are preyed upon by adultBullfrogs within the wetland itself. None of the native amphibian species fair well in the presence of themuch larger American Bullfrog (even juvenile Bullfrogs leave occupied sites due to cannibalism by adultfrogs) but they can co-exist in some habitats (e.g., wetlands with complex microhabitats). Bullfrog

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eradication is not a realistic option, but efforts to manage / control the population may reduce the long-term effects on native species (Govindarajulu et al. 2005, Adams and Pearl 2007). Red-legged frogs maybe forced to co-exist with Bullfrogs (breed in the same water bodies) because the smaller forestwetlands that are available to the local population are relatively cool and have a short hydroperiod.Although the small forest ponds do not appear to be used for breeding by Red-legged Frogs, they areimportant for foraging, cover, hydration, and as stepping-stones for moving through the landscape.Streams, moist seeps and drainages are also important components of the summer range of Red-leggedFrogs.

Other more common species confirmed to be breeding at wetlands within the woodlot include thePacific Treefrog and Long-toed Salamander. Pacific Treefrogs were confirmed breeding at two sites–onesmall forest pond (Road G-C) and at the Lorenzen Road wetland (Fig. 5). This species can take advantageof a greater variety of aquatic conditions for breeding but they prefer relatively open canopy conditions(more sunlight) at breeding sites. Long-toed Salamanders are relatively common and will utilize a varietyof aquatic conditions for breeding from roadside ditches to large wetlands. They are tolerant of moreshaded conditions for egg laying and larval development, and they are the most common speciesbreeding in small forest wetlands.

Terrestrial salamanders need downed wood, especially large logs. As woodlots are managed throughtime on short commercial rotation (60-100 years), a habitat component that is often lost or depleted isthe occurrence of large downed wood. Trees should be retained and managed to provide a constantinput of large pieces of downed wood (see 4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations). Priority areas toconsider retaining large trees may be in mixedwood stands. Wandering Salamanders are often foundunder the bark of downed deciduous trees such as large alders (the bark creates a small gap underneathas it ages, decomposes, and peels away; Fig. 6). Western Red-backed Salamanders are also common inmore complex stands with deciduous trees (Bigleaf Maple) and sword fern (Polystichum munitum).

Figure 3. Adult American Bullfrog observed at a forest wetland (12-04 C) 600 m away from the closestknown breeding site.

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Figure 4. Red-legged Frog tadpole captured at Lorenzen Road wetland.

Figure 5. Pacific Treefrog eggs and Long-toed Salamander larva observed at forest wetlands in May 2015(i.e., wetlands Road G-C and 12-04 A respectively).

Figure 6. Juvenile Wandering Salamander observed in the woodlot.

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3.2 Habitat Assessment

The wetland habitats observed within the woodlot varied between wet ground (e.g., seeps, low gradientdrainages) to deep pond and wetlands. Table 3 and Fig. 7 summarize the location and general habitatsof the wet areas surveyed. Photographs of each wet area are presented in Appendix 1.

All wet areas are valuable for amphibians and need protection. Maintaining the natural hydrology ofseeps, drainage channels, wetlands, and streams is critical for amphibians. In addition, water qualitywithin these sites must also be protected as developing larva breath through gills and cannot survive insilty or turbid waters. The naturally sloping topography of the woodlot means that any roads developedalong its length (i.e., following slope contours) could cut off or alter the flow of water into wet areasbelow the roads. Diverting water through ditches and culverts can redirect water away from naturalseepage channels.

Two clusters or complexes of small wetlands were surveyed; just outside of the proposed cut block 12-04 and along Road G (see Fig. 7). These small wetlands differ in their hydroperiods, which is important interms of meeting different life history needs over the long term through the annual variability andunpredictability in precipitation and drought, and they provide good resting, cover and hydrationlocations. As such, clusters of wetlands are valuable for amphibians. Ideally, the wetlands containedtogether within each cluster area would be treated as one important area for amphibians, protected andbuffered from any timber harvesting and road building (e.g., Fig. 8). These protected cluster areas wouldact as refuge islands over the long term, providing mature and old trees and vegetative cover and mildclimatic conditions year round. These protected clusters should be connected to other wet areas (e.g.,via stream networks) and to other mature to old forest stands in order to provide travel corridors foramphibians.

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Table 2. Results of amphibian surveys in March and May 2015 at Woodlot W1475.

WetlandID

AMPHIBIAN SPECIES (CODE I.D.) and LIFE STAGES Confirmed

Red-leggedFrog (RLFR)

(SAR)*

PacificTreefrog(PTFR)

Western Toad(WETO)

(SAR)

NorthwesternSalamander

(NWSA)

Long-toedSalamander

(LTSA)

RoughskinNewt

(RSNE)

WanderingSalamander

(WASA)(SAR)

WesternRed-backedSalamander

(RBSA)

AmericanBullfrog(BUFR)

(non-native)P2 Adult found

175 m to west(10U 418606E,

5454368N)P3 Juvenile along

trail (10U419483E,

5454462N)LeroyMain

(1+370)

Adult observed 400m west (10U

418606E,5454368N)

Adult alongtrail

12-04-A Larva12-04-B Larva12-04-C Larva Adult

SiwashA-Wtld

Juvenile

Road G-ARoad G-BRoad G-C Juvenile Eggs Adult JuvenileRoad G-D Larva**Lorenzen

WtldTadpole (1) Tadpole (6) Larva** Adult

STR3STR7 Juvenile

(10U418018E,

5454420N)*SAR = Species at Risk (listed federally as Special Concern)**Small/young larva of these two salamander species can be difficult to tell apart when found in habitats considered suitable to both.

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Table 3. Wetland habitat description and assessment.

Wtld ID

LocationUTM

(10 U)Elev.(m) Size

Rel.CanopyCover

Rel.WaterTemp.

Max.WaterDepth

% Cover ofOpen Water

Amphibian Breeding?(see Table 1 for species codes)

Habitat Assess. & Amphibian Use(outside of breeding)

P2 419040,5454573

121 70 m x25 m

Medium Cool 15 cm < 5% May be used by LTSA forbreeding

Tall shrub swamp with some shallowwater pockets; likely dries relatively

quickly; important for cover, foraging,and hydration

P3 419409,5454520

122 linearfeature

Medium N/A Dry N/A Too little water for breeding Shrub / tree swamp (may be a drainage);no standing water; linear feature that

may be used as a travel corridor, as wellas for cover, foraging, and hydration

LeroyMain

(1+370)

High Cool 2 cm 100% Too little water for breeding Low, flat area; more seep / drainagethan wetland; almost no standing water;

linear feature likely used as a travelcorridor

12-04-A 418003,5454367

162 7 m x 7m

Medium Cool 10 cm 80% Used by LTSA Small mud pond with skunk cabbage andwater parsley; water has dropped - will

likely dry rel. quickly; used for cover,foraging, and hydration

12-04-B 417980,5454367

162 12 m x12 m

Medium Cool 30 cm 40% Used by LTSA Mud pond with water parsley and soft,silty substrate; may dry out, but water

drop is less obvious than for ‘A’; used forcover, foraging, and hydration

12-04-C 417993,5454371

162 15 m x7 m

Medium Cool 30 cm 80% Used by LTSA; Adult Bullfrogpresent

Mud pond with sedge shoreline andsoft, silty substrate; some water drop /

drying; used for cover, foraging, andhydration

SiwashA-Wtld

418028,5454666

162 23 m x10 m

Medium Cool 7 cm 100% Very short hydroperiod mayexclude breeding; or may beused for egg laying by LTSA in

non-drought years

Deep bowl; has dried extensively-onlysmall pocket of water left; hardhack

edge and lots of downed wood; used forcover, foraging, and hydration

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Wtld ID LocationUTM

(10 U)

Elev.(m)

Size Rel.CanopyCover

Rel.WaterTemp.

Max.WaterDepth

% Cover ofOpen Water

Amphibian Breeding?(see Table 1 for species

codes)

General Conclusions / Amphibian Use(outside of breeding)

Road G-A 418153,5454679

195 25 m x10 m

Medium-High

Cold 80 cm 70% Deep, dark water – difficult tosee; likely used by at least

LTSA, and maybe NWSA; maybe connected to ‘B’

Deep, narrow mud wetland with denseshrub shoreline; used for cover,

foraging, and hydration

Road G-B 418162,5454659

195 30 m x12 m

High Cold 50 cm 20% Deep, dark water – difficult tosee; likely used by at least

LTSA, and maybe NWSA; maybe connected to ‘A’

Hardhack wetland with very little waterthroughout; small pocket of knee-deepwater under tall shrubs along shoreline;used for cover, foraging, and hydration

Road G-C 418210,5454657

195 25 m x25 m

High &Low-

Medium

Cool 30 cm &70 cm

25% PTFR eggs; LTSA also likelybreeding here; and possible

RSNE

Wetland has three habitats-hardhackarea with almost no water; relatively

open canopy, shallow water area withemergent veg.; and small, deeper pocketalong shoreline under tall shrubs; used

for cover, foraging, and hydrationRoad G-D 418253,

5454614195 40 m x

12 mMedium-

HighCold 125 cm 70% Deep, dark water – difficult to

see; salamander larva found(LTSA and / or NWSA); fairyshrimp observed (relatively

rare invertebrate)

Deep, narrow mud wetland with denseshrub shoreline; used for cover,

foraging, and hydration

LorenzenWtld

417744,5455248

98 190 mx 90 m

Low Cool 200 cm 25% RLFR and PTFR tadpoles, andsalamander larva (LTSA and /or NWSA) observed; RSNE as

well?

Wetland has some open water andextensive hardhack areas; used for

cover, foraging, and hydration

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Figure 7. Location of wetlands and incidental amphibian observations within the woodlot.

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Figure 8. Recommended protection of two ‘clusters’ of small wetlands for amphibians, includingconnectivity to streams and mature, upland forest.

Location of twowetland cluster

preserves

Protected uplandtravel / connectivity

habitat

Stream WTP/Reserveextended up to wetland

cluster preserve

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4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A diverse amphibian community occurs in Woodlot W1475. One of the greatest threats to amphibianpopulations is habitat loss, especially the removal of forest cover. Due to the dynamic nature of landsmanaged for timber production, the loss of forest / vegetative cover is not permanent. Removal of treesis not the main issue for amphibians over the long term. The greatest threats come from road building,which tends to exclude vegetative cover for long periods, the degradation, destruction and / or theinfilling of small wet areas, and the eventual loss of large downed wood through consecutive, shortstand rotations of less than 100 years. The proposed block layout of the licensee demonstrates awillingness to avoid small wetland habitats (e.g., block boundaries exclude small wetlands at P2, P3, and12-04). A small increase in the amount of sunlight reaching some of these smaller wetlands may makethem more attractive for breeding for some amphibian species (e.g., Red-legged Frog, Pacific Treefrog;Wind 2007).

Recommended best practices for amphibian conservation in the woodlot include: Retain mature to old forest around all small wetland habitats and streams in perpetuity (e.g.,

anchor preserves over small wet areas). These riparian and wetland preserves should bewindfirm and wide enough to maintain mild climatic conditions at their core (e.g., 20+ m; utilizevariable widths that are adapted to site conditions).

Given that increased sun exposure makes small wetland habitats attractive to frogs for breedingafter stands are harvested, ensure that at least 50% of the shoreline consists of mature forest atall times throughout the rotation where complete preserves cannot be retained. The presenceof mature forest will provide cover for metamorph frogs and salamanders emerging fromwetlands in mid summer (i.e., the hottest, driest part of the year). For example, the proposedcut blocks should reach a mature stand age (e.g., 60+ years) before stands on the oppositewetland shorelines are harvested.

In addition to preserves in riparian and wetland areas, utilize group versus dispersed retentionto maintain forest and ground cover for amphibians throughout cut blocks with groups beinglarger than 0.5 ha, especially in larger cut blocks (i.e., those greater than 5 ha in size).

Ensure that large downed wood is continually added to the system and made available forterrestrial salamanders by incorporating longer rotation aged stands into the management plan(e.g., at least 10% of the woodlot is slated for harvest after it has reached 160-180 years).

Add variability into the retention level plans by adapting to local conditions and increasing levelswherever possible (e.g., utilize a range of 8-12%), and include retention within cut blocks (do notallocate it to block edges only).

Limit the number of new roads built within the woodlot, avoid placing roads across and throughlow lying wet areas and seeps, and keep new roads as narrow as possible. Road constructionrepresents habitat loss for amphibians, especially where they impact wet areas. Roads can affectthe hydrology of a site when water is intercepted and redirected down ditches and throughculverts. This can have a negative effect on small wetlands and local amphibians if breeding sitesand travel corridors dry out. Consider closing roads or debuilding them once timber harvestinghas concluded. Build roads to allow natural down slope seepage – avoid redirecting waterthrough ditching and culverts.

Maintain connectivity (corridor preserves): 1) among small wetlands, 2) between streams andwetlands, and 3) between wetlands and upland forest habitats. Connective corridor preservesshould be devoid of roads, consist of mature to old forest (80+ years) that is windfirm andcontains a mixedwood tree species component, large, downed wood, and a diverse ground

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cover layer. Corridors should be at least 100 m wide to maintain some moderate climaticconditions at their core.

Protect and maintain a large mixedwood tree species component within the woodlot. Thepresence of deciduous trees, such as Bigleaf Maple, may create more suitable ground conditionsfor terrestrial salamanders and other amphibian species by increasing the diversity ofinvertebrates that are attracted to leaf litter and maintaining a more suitable (neutral) soil pHcompared to stands dominated by coniferous trees (Heatwole 1962, Waldick et al. 1999).

Minimize impacts to the riparian area of small wetlands. Do not run machinery into riparianareas (e.g., keep all machinery at least 15 m back from wetland edges), and retain small trees,tall shrubs, downed wood, and ground cover around small wetlands. This medium and tallvegetation can provide important shade and cover for amphibians on the ground, in some casesmore effectively than tall trees. Juvenile and adult amphibian species hibernate on land (e.g.,within forest stands). Evidence suggests that some may prefer more open stands and / or edgeswhere some sunlight can reach hibernation sites in winter (Wind, unpublished data). Deciduoustrees such as Bigleaf Maple provide large canopy gaps for sunlight to access the forest floorduring winter. Maintain canopy gaps through various woodlot management techniques (e.g.,plan for tree retention during block layout, maintain a variety of tree species, densities, and treeages through retention, natural regeneration, planting, and thinning).

Work with the local community, DU, and the Ministry of Transportation to protect nativeamphibians at the Lorenzen Road Wetland (e.g., install wildlife underpasses and directive if it isdetermined that many native amphibians are being killed along Lorenzen Road, considerimplanting a Bullfrog control program at the DU and Lorenzen Road wetlands).

5.0 REFERENCES CITED

Adams, M.J., and C.A. Pearl. 2007. Problems and opportunities managing invasive Bullfrogs: is there anyhope? In, Francesca Gherardi (ed.). Pp. 679–693. Biological invaders in inland waters: Profiles,distribution, and threats. Springer.

COSEWIC 2004. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Red-legged Frog Rana aurora inCanada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vi + 46 pp.(www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm).

COSEWIC 2012. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Western Toad Anaxyrus boreas inCanada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xiv + 71 pp.(www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm).

COSEWIC 2014. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Wandering Salamander Aneides vagransin Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xi + 44 pp.(www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm)

Govindarajulu, P, Altwegg, R., and B.R. Anholt. 2005. Matrix model investigation of invasive speciescontrol: Bullfrogs on Vancouver Island. Ecological Applications, 15(6):2161–2170.

Heatwole, H. 1962. Environmental factors influencing local distribution and activity of the salamander,Plethodon cinereus. Ecology 43(3)460-472.

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RISC 1998. Inventory Methods for Pond-breeding Amphibians and Painted Turtle Standards forComponents of British Columbia's Biodiversity No. 37. Prepared by Ministry of Environment,Lands and Parks Resources Inventory Branch for the Terrestrial Ecosystems Task ForceResources Inventory Committee, March 13, 1998. Version: 2.0.http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/risc/pubs/tebiodiv/index.htm

Waldick, R.C., Freedman, B., Wassersug, R.J. 1999. The consequences for amphibians of the conversionof natural, mixed-species forests to conifer plantations in southern New Brunswick, Canada.Canadian Field Naturalist 113:408-418.

Wind, E. 2003. Aquatic-breeding Amphibian Monitoring Program - Analysis of Small Wetland Habitats onVancouver Island. Annual Progress Report 2002. Unpublished report prepared forWeyerhaeuser BC Coastal Group, Nanaimo, BC. 29 pp.

Wind, E. 2007. Pre- and post-harvest amphibian and small wetland study – Year 3. Unpublished reportprepared for Western Forest Products Inc., Campbell River, BC and Island Timberlands LimitedPartnership, Nanaimo, BC. 49 pp.

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APPENDIX 1. PHOTOGRAPHS OF WET AREAS ASSESSED FOR AMPHIBIANS IN MAY 2015.

P2 & P3

Leroy Main (1+370) Wtld

22

12-04-A

12-04-B

23

12-04-C

SiwashA-Wtld

Road G-A

24

Road G-B

Road G-C

25

Road G-D

Lorenzen Wtld

26

STR3